Be Authentic and Consistent

Be real with your employees. Don’t treat one group or person better than another. Everyone doesn’t need to get a blue ribbon, but everyone does need to be treated consistently. That goes for feedback as well. Give both positive and constructive feedback, and make it timely. If people see that you correct one person but let another get away with something, they will not see you as fair. Clear expectations are required for employees to perceive you as authentic. Make sure your expectations are crystal clear to everyone, and follow up with consequences when they aren’t met.

Your people will make assumptions about what you stand for the moment you open your mouth. Are you real? Can your employees trust you to speak the truth? Can people predict your answer or stance on any given office topic? Authentic people are predictable and consistent in their behavior – towards others and towards themselves.